News Releases

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Thursday announced that left wing Ville Leino has been assigned by the Detroit Red Wings to the American Hockey League club.

Leino, 25, was recalled on an emergency basis on Wednesday as Detroit prepared for tonight’s Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He had a stellar 13-game debut with the Red Wings this season, tallying nine points (5-4—9) and a plus-five rating.

Despite appearing in just 57 games with Grand Rapids, Leino finished among the Griffins’ leaders with 46 points (5th), 31 assists (3rd), six power play goals (5th), four game-winning goals (2nd) and four shootout goals (1st).

The Griffins will begin their chase for the Calder Cup against the Hamilton Bulldogs in the North Division Semifinals. Games 1 and 2 are set for Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum this Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. The series will then shift to Van Andel Arena for Games 3-5 on Monday, April 20, Wednesday, April 22 and (if necessary) Friday, April 24. Tickets for Games 3 and 4 are currently on sale through The Zone, all Star Tickets outlets (800-585-3737) and at griffinshockey.com/playoffs.